Finally, FG directs schools to teach IRS, CRK separately

The Federal Government has directed secondary schools to ensure that Islamic Religious Studies (IRS) and Christian Religious Studies (CRK) are taught as separate subjects.Â

Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu gave the directive in a statement issued in Abuja by the ministry’s Deputy Director (Press), Ben Bem-Gong.Â

According to the statement, the directive became imperative because of speculation regarding the merging of the two subjects.Â

The statement quoted the minster saying that students would not be compelled to study the two subjects, adding that secondary school students are at liberty to choose any of the two subjects depending on their religious beliefs.Â

The statement said: â€œThe directive has become necessary following weeks of speculations in the social and conventional media networks across the country that the two subjects have been merged into one.Â

The confusion was created by a publisher who produced a book on the subject, combining Islamic Religious Studies (IRS) and Christian Religious Studies (CRK), which is being used in some private secondary schools.Â

â€œThere is no compulsion in the study of the two religions. Secondary school students are at liberty to choose any of the two subjects depending on their religious leanings.Â

â€œThe Christian Religious Studies and Islamic Religious Studies have remained separate subjects in the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO).Â

â€œIf such a change has occurred (merger of IRS & CRS), the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), National Examinations Council (NECO) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) would have reflected same in their programmes and examinations.â€